CN103492940A - Controlling transitions in optically switchable devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A controller or control method may be designed or configured to operate without information about the current temperature of the device and/or the device's environment. Further, in some cases, the controller or control method is designed or configured to control transition of an optical device to an intermediated state between two end states. For example, the controller may be configured to control a transition to a state of transmissivity that is intermediate between two end states of transmissivity. In such case, the device has three or more stable states of transmissivity.

Description

Control the transformation in the optical switchable device

The cross reference of related application

It is " CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES " and the Application No. 13/049 of filing an application on March 16th, 2011 that the application requires title, 623 right of priority, described patented claim is way of reference and being incorporated herein for all purposes in full.

The application is relevant to following U.S. Patent application: on March 16th, 2011 files an application, the Application No. 13/049 that title is " Multipurpose Controller For Multistate Windows ", 756, title is " Onboard Controller for Multistate Windows " and the Application No. 13/049 of filing an application on March 16th, 2011, 750 and title be " Controlling Transitions In Optically Switchable Devices " and the Application No. 13/309 of filing an application on Dec 2nd, 2011, 990, all described patented claims are way of reference and being incorporated herein for all purposes in full.

Background

Electrochromism is the phenomenon that represents the change of the reversible electrochemical mediation of optical property when wherein a kind of material (usually changes by making it stand voltage) in being placed in different electronic states.Described optical property is one or more in color, transmissivity, absorptivity and reflectivity normally.Electrochromic device can be incorporated in all eurypalynous optical textures, comprises window and catoptron.Switch the optical states of these devices by electrochemical conversion.

A kind of well-known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO₃).Tungsten oxide is that the cathode electrochromic material of painted transformation (being clear to blueness) wherein occurs by electrochemical reduction.

Although found that in the sixties in 20th century electrochromism, electrochromic device still unfortunately suffer variety of issue and not yet start to realize its complete business potential.The part difficulty is that the operator scheme of electrochromic device lacks versatility.In addition, for the known control system of electrochromic device, have limited functional and fail to consider some specific characteristic of electrochromic device.

General introduction

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to for window and the controller with other optics of changeable optical devices.The method of the optical states in the switchable optics parts is also disclosed.The example of changeable optical devices is electrochromic devices.Other example comprises liquid-crystal apparatus and spd.

In various examples, described controller or control method are designed or configure under the situation about the information of the environment of the Current Temperatures of device and/or device, do not operating.In addition, in some cases, described controller or control method are designed or configure to control the transformation of the intermediateness between optical devices to two terminal state.For example, described controller can be configured to control the transformation to the transmissivity state in the middle of two ultimate transmissivity states.In this case, described device has three or more stable transmissivity states.

An aspect of of the present present invention relates to the method for the change that causes the optical states in changeable optical devices.These methods can characterize by following operation: (a) during the initial part of the transformation from the first optical states to the second optical states, control the electric current to described changeable optical devices; (b) control and be applied to the voltage of described changeable optical devices during the part after a while of the described transformation from described the first optical states to described the second optical states, in order to the value of described voltage is kept basically in preset level.(a) operation of Current Control in relates to value when described electric current and surpasses the upper limit and define the safety current level or fail to meet lower limit while defining quick switch current level the extremely described electric current of described changeable optical devices of correction.In certain embodiments, this is defined safety current level and described lower limit and is defined between quick switch current level and realize described electric current is maintained to the described upper limit by voltage ramp being applied to described changeable optical devices and adjusting where necessary described voltage ramp.In other situation, this is by being applied to initial current described changeable optical devices and adjusting where necessary described initial current and realize.In some cases, described method comprises following further operation: the described value that (c) at (b), will be applied to afterwards the described voltage of described changeable optical devices is decreased to the level of the leakage current in reducing described changeable optical devices.

In specific embodiments, carrying out the described electric current of control in (a) reached between about cycle between 2 minutes to 30 minutes.In addition, in certain embodiments, the described upper limit defines the safety current level between approximately between 70 μ A/cm2 and 250 μ A/cm2.Described lower limit defines quick switch current level can be between about 30 μ A/cm²with 70 μ A/cm²between.In further particular, carry out the described voltage of control in (b) and reach between about cycle between 2 minutes and 30 minutes.

In many embodiments, do not detect the temperature of described changeable optical devices during at least described initial part of described transformation.In certain embodiments, described changeable optical devices are electrochromic devices.Although so not restricted, the described change of described optical states can be to the intermediate optical state between two ultimate optical states of described changeable optical devices.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the controller of the change of the optical states for controlling changeable optical devices.These controllers can characterize by the following: (a) one or more interfaces, and it provides steering order, driving voltage and/or drive current to described changeable optical devices; (b) instruction, it is for controlling the described change of optical states.Described instruction can comprise: (i) during the initial part of the transformation from the first optical states to the second optical states, control the electric current to described changeable optical devices, wherein control described electric current by the value when described electric current surpass the upper limit define the safety current level or fail to meet lower limit while defining quick switch current level correction extremely the described electric current of described changeable optical devices realize; (ii) control and be applied to the voltage of described changeable optical devices during the part after a while of the described transformation from described the first optical states to described the second optical states, in order to the value of described voltage is kept basically in preset level.

When described changeable optical devices are electrochromic device, in described instruction, the described electric current of appointment and voltage levvl are to define for electrochromic device.The further feature of described controller can comprise implementing one or more the instruction in method operation as described above.For example, in described instruction, the described electric current of appointment and/or voltage levvl do not need to consider the temperature of described changeable optical devices during at least described initial part of described transformation.As another example, described instruction can be specified the change of described optical states to the intermediate optical state between two ultimate optical states of described changeable optical devices.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to and causes that changeable optical devices are converted to the method for intermediate optical state, and described intermediate optical state is between two terminal states of described changeable optical devices.These methods relate to oscillating voltage are applied to described changeable optical devices, wherein said oscillating voltage has the average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and wherein basically experiences equably described average voltage on the surface of described changeable optical devices.

As an example, described oscillating voltage has the frequency of about 1E3Hz and 1E-5Hz.As further example, described oscillating voltage has the approximately amplitude of 0.01 volt to 1 volt.

In certain embodiments, described method further is included in and applies the operation that potential pulse is applied to before described oscillating voltage to described changeable optical devices, wherein said potential pulse has the value that is greater than in fact the described average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and applying of wherein said potential pulse increases in fact the speed that described changeable optical devices are converted to described intermediate optical state.In particular instance, described potential pulse had between about duration between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.In further particular instance, wherein said potential pulse has between the about value between 1 volt and 7 volts.

In some method, can there is the operation bidirectional that the second oscillating voltage is applied to described changeable optical devices, wherein said the second oscillating voltage has the second average voltage be associated with the second intermediate optical state, and wherein applies described the second oscillating voltage and cause that described device is converted to described the second intermediate optical state.

Usually, described changeable optical devices comprise that, for voltage delivery being delivered to one or more bus-bars of described device, wherein said bus-bar is arranged in one or more edges of described device and is not positioned at the center of described device.Usually, described changeable optical devices comprise the one or more transparency electrodes that have at least about the sheet resistance of 5 ohm every square.In various embodiments, described changeable optical devices are electrochromic devices.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of for controlling the controller of changeable optical devices to the change of intermediate optical state, wherein said controller characterizes by following characteristics: (a) one or more interfaces, and it is for providing steering order, driving voltage and/or drive current to described changeable optical devices; (b) instruction, it is for controlling the described change of optical states.Described instruction comprises oscillating voltage is applied to described changeable optical devices, wherein said oscillating voltage has the average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and wherein in the surface of described changeable optical devices, basically experiences equably described average voltage.

As discussed in above method embodiment, the described changeable optical devices of being controlled by described controller can comprise for voltage delivery being delivered to one or more bus-bars of described device, and described bus-bar is arranged in one or more edges of described device and is not positioned at the center of described device.In addition, described changeable optical devices can comprise the one or more transparency electrodes that have at least about the sheet resistance of 5 ohm every square.

When described changeable optical devices are electrochromic device, in described instruction, the characteristic of the vibration of appointment is to define for electrochromic device.The further feature of described controller can comprise one or more the instruction in the method operation in order to implement above just to have described.For example, described instruction can specify described oscillating voltage to have the frequency of about 1E3Hz and 1E-5Hz.In another example, described instruction can specify described oscillating voltage to have the approximately amplitude of 0.01 volt to 1 volt.

In a further example, instruction further comprises for potential pulse being applied to the instruction of described changeable optical devices before applying described oscillating voltage, wherein said potential pulse has the value that is greater than in fact the described average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and applying of wherein said potential pulse increases in fact the speed that described changeable optical devices are converted to described intermediate optical state.In certain embodiments, described potential pulse had between about duration between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.In certain embodiments, described potential pulse has between the about value between 1 volt and 7 volts.

Hereinafter with reference to associated drawings, these and other feature & benefits of the present invention is described in more detail.

The accompanying drawing summary

Fig. 1 illustrates the current curve that adopts simple Control of Voltage algorithm to drive the electrochromic of optical state transition.

Fig. 2 illustrates a series of Q for specific voltage to T (electric charge is to temperature) curve.

Fig. 3 A and 3B illustrate electric current and the voltage curve produced from the specific control method according to some embodiment.

Fig. 3 C is the process flow diagram illustrated during the starting stage of optical state transition the control of electric current.

Fig. 4 A for vibration the voltage that applies and voltage ratio that non-oscillatory applies than the voltage unevenness of the face of crossover device.

Fig. 4 B illustrates the center and peripheral modelling result produced from the voltage that vibration applies in order to produce relatively uniform 0.4OD intermediateness.

Fig. 4 C is the voltage algorithm that produces the result illustrated in Fig. 4 B.

Fig. 4 D illustrates the voltage curve to intermediateness for fast transition.

Fig. 5 is to controlling in order to the method according to described herein the schematic illustrations of the controller of changeable optical devices.

Fig. 6 A is schematically illustrating electrochromic device in the cross section mode.

Fig. 6 B is the schematic sectional view of the electrochromic device of (or being converted to bleached state) in bleached state.

Fig. 6 C is the schematic sectional view of the electrochromic device of (or being converted to colored state) shown in Fig. 6 B but in colored state.

Fig. 7 is the schematic sectional view of the electrochromic device in colored state, and wherein said device has boundary zone, and different ion conductor layer is not contained in described boundary zone.

The detailed description of embodiment

Introduce and general introduction

Changeable optical devices reversibly circulation between two or more optical states (such as bleached state and colored state) such as electrochromic device.Between these states, switching is controlled by predetermined current and/or voltage are applied to described device.Described Setup Controller generally includes LVPS and can be configured to and operates with other environmental sensor in conjunction with radiation, but these radiation and other environmental sensor are not done requirement in various embodiments.Described controller also can be configured to dock with energy management system, and described energy management system is controlled the computer system of described electrochromic device such as the factors such as time, safety condition and measured environmental baseline in the middle of time, a day according to such as in the middle of a year.This energy management system can significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings.

Fig. 1 illustrates the current curve of the electrochromic of the optical state transition (for example, painted) that adopts simple Control of Voltage algorithm to cause electrochromic device.In described curve, ion current density (I) means as the function of time.Many dissimilar electrochromic devices will have illustrated current curve.In an example, the cathode electrochromic material such as tungsten oxide is used electrode in conjunction with a nickel oxide tungsten.In these devices, negative current indicating device painted.Described specific illustrated curve negotiating makes voltage ramp to the setting level and then keeps described voltage to produce to maintain optical states.

The change ofcurrent peak 101 and optical states (that is, painted and fade) is associated.Specifically, described current peak means to install sending of painted or the needed electric charge that fades.On mathematics, the shadow region of peak value below means to install the painted or needed total change of fading.Curved portion after the initial current spike (part 103) means the leakage current when device is in new optical states.

In described figure,voltage curve 105 is superimposed on described current curve.Described voltage curve is in the following sequence: negative slope (107), negatively keep (109), positive slopes (111) and just keeping (113).Note, voltage maintenance reaching its maximum magnitude after and during device remains in its time span in defining optical states is constant.Device is urged to its new colored state tovoltage ramp 107 and voltage keeps 109 holdout devices in colored state, until the transformation that voltage ramp 111 in opposite direction drives from colored state to bleached state.In some handoff algorithms, apply upper current limit.That is, disapprove electric current and surpass institute's definition level in order to prevent damage device.

Painted speed is not only executed alive function, and is the function of temperature and voltage ramp speed.Because voltage and temperature both affect the lithium diffusion, the quantity of electric charge therefore transmitted (and therefore the intensity of this current peak) increases with voltage and temperature, as indicated in Fig. 2.In addition, by definition, voltage and temperature are interdependent, this means and can be under higher temperature by low voltage, obtain the switch speed identical with high voltage under lower temperature.This temperature-responsive can be used in the handoff algorithms based on voltage, but needs energetically monitor temperature to change the voltage that applied.Serviceability temperature is determined apply which voltage in order to realize switching fast damage device not.

Fig. 2 illustrates a series of Q for specific voltage to T (electric charge is to temperature) curve.More particularly, describedly illustrate when applying fixed temperature temperature after fixed time period has been passed and how many electric charges are passed to the impact of electrochromic device.Along with voltage increases, the quantity of electric charge transmitted is for increasing to fixed temperature.Therefore, for the to be passed quantity of electric charge of wanting, it is suitable that any voltage in voltage range can be, as shown as thehorizontal line 207 in Fig. 2.And very clear, control simply the change that voltage will not guarantee optical states and occur in the cycle at time predefined.Unit temp affects the electric current under specific voltage consumingly.Certainly, if the temperature of known devices, the voltage that applies can be selected with in the painted change of wanted time cycle drive.Yet, in some cases, can not determine reliably the temperature of electrochromic device.Although Setup Controller is known usually, need how many electric charges to carry out switching device shifter, it may not know temperature.

If the temperature for electrochromic device applies too high voltages or electric current, device can damaged or degradation.On the other hand, if applied low-voltage or electric current for temperature, device will switch excessively slowly.Therefore, will be desirably in the colored state change and there is in early time controlled current flow and/or voltage.Remember this idea, disclosed program is controlled electric charge (in the mode of electric current) under the situation that is not limited to specific voltage.

Adopt the transformation of controlled current flow starting stage

Some control program described herein can be implemented by between initial tour, following restriction being put on to device: (1) between device electrode, transmit the quantity of electric charge that defines to cause complete possible optical transitions; (2) transmit this electric charge in institute's definition time framework; (3) electric current is no more than maximum current; (4) voltage is no more than maximum voltage.

According to various embodiments described herein, switch electrochromic device with single algorithm, and no matter temperature how.In an example, control algolithm relates to: (i) gas current is controlled electric current but not voltage during significantly being greater than the initial switching cycle of leakage current therein; (ii) during this initial period, adopt electric current-temporal correlation, so that enough switching rapidly under low temperature, do not damage in device described part under higher temperature.

Therefore, from an optical states between the tour of another optical states, controller and the control algolithm that is associated are to guarantee switch speed fully fast and electric current is no more than the mode of the value of damage device is controlled to the electric current of device.In addition, in various embodiments, described controller and control algolithm realize switching with two stages: the first stage, it controlled electric current until arrive institute's defining point before switching completes; And subordinate phase, it controls the voltage that is applied to device after the described first stage.

Various embodiments described herein can be characterized by following three kenel formula methods (regime methodology) usually.

1. control electric current so that it is maintained in the gauge range of current.This only carries out short cycle during the change of optical states initial.The intention protective device is avoided due to the damage due to high current condition, guarantees to apply abundant electric current to permit the quick change of state simultaneously.Usually, the voltage during this stage stays in the maximum safe voltage of device.In some embodiment that adopts house or building glass, this initial controlled current flow stage will continue approximately 3 minutes to 4 minutes.During this stage, the current curve relatively flat, change and to be not more than (for example) approximately 10%.

2. after the initial controlled current flow stage completes, be converted to the controlled voltage stage, wherein voltage remains in fixed value basically, until possible optical transitions completes, that is, until transmit abundant electric charge to complete possible optical transitions.Usually, fromstate 1 to state, the initial arrival institute definition time of the transformation of 2 (controlled current flow is to controlled voltage) by adaptive switched operation triggers.Yet, in alternate embodiment, change and realize by reaching predefine voltage, the quantity of electric charge that predefine is transmitted or a certain other criterion.During the controlled voltage stage, voltage can remain in and change the level that is not more than about 0.2V.

3. after completing subordinate phase, usually, when possible optical transitions completes, make voltage drop in order to make leakage current minimize the optical states that remains new simultaneously.So far the transformation of phase III can for example, trigger from the initial arrival institute definition time of blocked operation by ().In other example, described transformation triggers by transmitting the predefine quantity of electric charge.

Fig. 3 A and 3B illustrate electric current and the voltage curve produced from the specific control method according to some embodiment.Fig. 3 C provides the flow process figure that is associated of the initial part (controlled current flow part) of control sequence.For the purpose of discussing, supposing that the negative current shown in these figure (as in Fig. 1) drives fades to coloured transformation.Certainly, described example can be applicable to the device operated on the contrary comparably,, adopts the device of anode electrochromism electrode that is.

In described particular instance, follow following program:

Time 0 place-make voltage with intention the speed oblique ascension corresponding to levels of current " I target " 301.Square frame 351 referring to Fig. 3 C.Also referring to thevoltage ramp 303 in Fig. 3 A.I target can a priori set-be independent of temperature in question device.As mentioned, can do not know or the situation of the temperature of apparatus for predicting under implement valuably control method described herein.In alternate embodiment, detected temperatures and consideration temperature when setting levels of current.In some cases, can respond to infer temperature from the current-voltage of window.

In some instances, ramp rate is between approximately between 10 μ V/s and 100V/s.In more particular instances, ramp rate between about 1mV/s_ and _ 500mV/s between.

2. immediately after t0, usually in several milliseconds, controller determine the levels of current that applies generation from operating the voltage in 1 and comparison its with by I slow the lower end gauge and by I safe the range of current accepted in upper end place gauge.The levels of current that I safe can be damaged or demote higher than its device.I slow will be with the levels of current of unacceptable slow rate switching lower than its device.As an example, the I target in electrochromic can be between about 30 μ A/cm²with 70 μ A/cm²between.In addition, the scope of the representative instance of I slow is between about 1 μ A/cm²with 30 μ A/cm²between and the scope of the example of I safe between about 70 μ A/cm²with 250 μ A/cm²between.

Voltage ramp is set and is adjusted to control electric current and usually in the starting stage of control sequence, to produce relatively consistent levels of current where necessary.This is by smoothcurrent curve 301 graphic extensions that go out as shown in Figure 3A and 3B, and smoothcurrent curve 301 is included between horizontal I safe307 and I slow309.

3. the result that depends on the comparison instep 2, control method adopts the one in following operation (a) to (c).Note, controller is not only immediately at t₀check afterwards levels of current, and it is at t₀check continually afterwards levels of current and adjust, so place is described and shown in Fig. 3 C.

A. current measured between between I slow and I safe → continue to apply voltage electric current is maintained between Islow and I safe.Circulation referring to the square frame 353,355,359,369 by Fig. 3 C and 351 definition.

B. current measured is lower than I slow (usually because unit temp is low) → continue to make applied voltage ramp in order to make electric current higher than I slow but lower than I safe.Referring to thesquare frame 353 of Fig. 3 C and 351 circulation.If levels of current is too low, increase alive the advancing the speed steepness of voltage ramp (that is, increase) can be suitable.

As indicated, monitoring current and voltage are applied electric current and are kept above I slow controller to guarantee energetically usually.In an example, the every several milliseconds of inspection primary currents of controller and/or voltage.It can the same time scale adjust voltage.Controller also can guarantee that the executed alive level that newly increases keeps below V safe.V safe is the maximum voltage value that applies, and surpasses it, and device can be damaged or demote.

C. current measured higher than I safe (usually due to device just operate under high-temperature) → reduce voltage (or voltage advance the speed) in order to make electric current lower than I safe but higher than I slow.Square frame 355 and 357 referring to Fig. 3 C.As mentioned, controller monitoring current and voltage energetically.Therefore, controller can be adjusted rapidly applied voltage and keep below I safe to guarantee electric current during the whole controlled current flow stage changed.Therefore, electric current should not surpass I safe.

Should understand, can adjust where necessary or even temporarily stopvoltage ramp 303 electric current is maintained between I slow and I safe.For example, when in the controlled current flow kenel, voltage ramp can be stopped, reversion on direction, slow down on speed or increase on speed.

In other embodiments, controller increases and/or reduces electric current but not voltage when needed.Therefore, above discussion should not be considered limited in and make voltage ramp or otherwise control voltage electric current is maintained to the option in wanted scope.No matter, by hardware controls voltage or electric current (constant potential or continuous current are controlled), described algorithm obtains the result of wanting.

4. electric current is maintained at (between I slow and I safe) in target zone, until meet designation criteria.In an example, described criterion is that delivered current reaches the definition time length t1 of institute, locates device between at this moment and reaches defined voltage V1.After reaching this condition, controller soon is converted to controlled voltage from controlled current flow.Square frame 359 and 361 referring to Fig. 3 C.Note, V1 is the function of temperature, but as mentioned, according to various embodiments, does not need monitoring or detected temperatures even.

In certain embodiments, t1 is approximately 1 minute to 30 minutes, and, in some particular instance, t1 is approximately 2 minutes to 5 minutes.In addition, in some cases, the value of V1 is approximately 1 volt to 7 volts, and more specifically says approximately 2.5 volts to 4 volts.

As mentioned, controller continues in the stage in controlled current flow, until meet specified requirements, and such as institute's definition time cycle past.In this example, trigger transformation with timer.In other example, described specified requirements is to reach defined voltage (for example, maximum safe voltage) or transmit the quantity of electric charge that defines.

Operation 1 to 4 is corresponding to the kenel 1-controlled current flow in above general algorithm.Target during this stage is to prevent that electric current from surpassing security level and guaranteeing rationally switch speed fast simultaneously.May be during this kenel, controller can be the voltage that the electrochromic device supply surpasses maximum safe voltage.In certain embodiments, by adopting wherein said maximum safety value to eliminate this problem than the much bigger control algolithm of V1 of crossing over operating temperature range.In some instances, I target and t1 are selected so that V1, at a lower temperature fully lower than maximum voltage, does not demote because excessive current makes window under higher temperature simultaneously.In certain embodiments, controller comprises and will reach the security feature of before maximum safe voltage, window being reported to the police.In representative instance, the value of the maximum safe voltage of electrochromic is between approximately between 5 volts and 9 volts.

5. maintain voltage in the horizontal V2 of definition, until meet another specified requirements, such as t2 time of arrival.Referring to thevoltage section 313 in Fig. 3 A.Usually, time t2 or other specified requirements through selecting in case transmit be enough to cause painted to change to measure electric charge.In an example, described specified requirements is to transmit the preassignment quantity of electric charge.During this stage, electric current can little by little reduce, as illustrated as thecurrent curve section 315 in Fig. 3 A and 3B.In specific embodiments, V2=V1, shown in Fig. 3 A.

This operation 5 is corresponding to kenel 2-controlled voltage above.Target during this stage is to maintain voltage to reach abundant length in V1 and wanted painted speed to guarantee.

In certain embodiments, t2 is approximately 2 minutes to 30 minutes, and, in some particular instance, t2 is approximately 3 minutes to 10 minutes.In addition, in some cases, V2 is approximately 1 volt to 7 volts, and more specifically says approximately 2.5 volts to 4 volts.

6. (that is, transmitting after the indication of abundant electric charge or timer arrived t2) after reaching the condition of step 5, making voltage drop to horizontal V3 from V2.This reduces leakage current when keeping colored state.In specific embodiments, fringe time t2 is based on center (it is the slowest painted person) the needed time of parts and is scheduled to and selects, to reach a certain percent transmittance.In certain embodiments, t2 is between approximately between 4 minutes and 6 minutes.This operation 6 is corresponding to kenel 3 above.

Following table presents the particular instance of algorithm as described above.

The definition of parameter:

The target current value of I0-between I slow and I safe.

V0-is corresponding to electric current I₀voltage.

The time of TO-electric current=I0.

The electric current at I1-time t1 place.I1=I0。

The voltage at V1-time t1 place.Voltage ramps to V1 and is the function of temperature from V0 between t0 and t1.

T1-is maintained at time between I slow and I safe (for example, approximately 3 minutes to 4 minutes) by electric current.

The electric current at I2-time t2 place.When maintaining voltage in V1, electric current decays to I2 from I1.

The voltage at V2-time t2 place.V1=V2。

T2-maintain voltage V1 the time extremely.Can be between from approximately between 4 minutes to 6 minutes of t1.After t2, voltage drops to V3 from V2.

Maintenance voltage between V3-t2 and t3.

I3-is corresponding to the electric current of voltage V3.

T3-receives the time that state changes request.

Use the intermediateness that vibration drives to control

Another aspect of the present invention relates to controls the face generation uniform coloring with crossover device such as the transformation between the optical states in the changeable optical devices of electrochromic device.It is specially adapted to control the intermediateness between high state and low state.In other words, its be applicable to control and there are at least three states (for example, opaque state, pellucidity and opaque and transparent between intermediate optical state) control device.For example, single electrochromic device can have 4% transmissivity (Tvis) through design in its opaque state, has 62% transmissivity in its bleached state, and has 40% transmissivity in state therebetween.

Before the details of discussing relevant control mechanism, several challenges of switching will be discussed between optical states.A challenge relates to transformation rapidly between optical states.Another challenge relates to the inhomogeneous transformation above the zone of electrochromic device.

Large electrochromic device (such as, the they on residential window or building glass) can represent sometimes the effect that is called " end effect ".This is the relatively high sheet resistance of the thin electrochromic device film (comprising electrode) that is coupled of the device design due to the end (bus-bar) with having the visibility region that is positioned at substrate outside (for example,, only in the edge of device/substrate).In these devices, at the end from the edge that is positioned at device of device, to the zone at the center of device, there is sizable " ohm " potential drop (with following leakage current) in (herein do not exist with external voltage source contact) top.Therefore, not only the center of device changes slowly than the marginarium that approaches terminal contacts, and center can never change fully.In other words, than edge, it can only be converted to limited extent.In addition, under the situation changed at the center of device, the edge transition of its ratio device obtains slowly.In addition, once reach transition stage in the heart in device, may be difficult to keep this state.These edges to center unevenness can be discovered by the user and it be bothered.

When being converted to intermediateness, these challenges are especially remarkable.For example, under device terminal state (, fully opaque and fade fully), can defeat described challenge by applying the terminal voltage that significantly is greater than the needed terminal voltage of the transformation to optics terminal state that causes end at least in part.In other words, the terminal voltage that applies there is fully high value so that can overcome ohmmic drop and the voltage of crossover device face fully greatly even in the center of device, to permit the transformation fully to terminal state.Regrettably, this is impossible for intermediateness, the voltage that described intermediateness may be middle at the voltage of terminal state.

In certain embodiments, can be applied to electrochromic device by the terminal voltage that will vibrate and overcome these challenges.Device is followed the speed of vibration driving voltage and is being installed near edge's (endways for example, (, bus-bar)) than locating faster at device center (away from bus-bar).Yet, the alive mean value of executing or average magnitude will be identical or almost identical at the center and peripheral place of device.Therefore, the voltage of for example, locating to apply at device end (, bus-bar) therein is in some embodiment of vibration, is applied in to realize that the quantity of electric charge of possible optical transitions is substantially the same at the center and peripheral place of device.

The voltage homogeneity (or unevenness) that Fig. 4 A relatively crosses over the face of electrochromic device with graphics mode for the non-oscillatory driving voltage that is applied in to maintain intermediate optical state and vibration driving voltage.Transverse axis means the position on the face of electrochromic device, and itsmid point 401 and 401 ' expression electric connector (for example, bus-bar) is attached to the device edge of device.The center ofposition 403 indication devices, that is, away from the position of connector.Z-axis indication device experience and from the local voltage of the institute's voltage that applies generation at connector place.Therefore, the voltage ofposition 401 and 401 ' locate is actually the voltage applied by connector.As seen, with non-oscillatory, drive thevoltage curve 407 that current potential is associated to drop to relative low value in the center of device.As explained, this is ohm potential drop and leakage current due to the face of cross-domain device.Its cause the painted discernable unevenness of cross-domain device-even after setting up steady state (SS) for a long time.

Comparatively speaking, the cross-domain apparatus surface of voltage curve 409 that drives current potential to be associated with vibration is basically uniform.Although the oscillation period of optical density (OD), (referring to illustration 411) ratio was obviously large in edge's (referring to illustration 413) in the heart in device, average voltage is from edge to the center substantial constant.Therefore, although time response the device center slowly many, the voltage amplitude at center and peripheral place is similar.

Fig. 4 B illustrate wherein painted and fade between the repeatedly pulsation institute voltage that applies with the modelling data of the device that produces zero clean optical density (OD) change.Can see, can be from approximately within 400 seconds, forward the optical density (OD) of device being controlled to the optical density (OD) to about 0.4.The voltage algorithm that is associated is illustrated in Fig. 4 C.

The frequency of vibration will depend on various factors, comprise the leakage current of device, the sheet resistance of device electrode, the terminal state of wanting (for example, %Tvis), the critical length of parts (that is, the distance between bus-bar).Usually, the voltage oscillation applied at the connector place is between about 1E3Hz and 1E-6Hz, more particularly between 1Hz and 1E-5Hz, and even more particularly between about 1E-2Hz and 1E-4Hz.The amplitude of vibration will depend on many factors, comprise the level of wanting of intermediateness.Yet, as rough example, the amplitude of the vibration that applies is between approximately between 0.01 volt and 1 volt, and, in the example of particular range more, it is between approximately between 0.1 volt and 0.5 volt.In various embodiments, vibration has the asymmetric residence time (that is, the rising of vibration and sloping portion are asymmetric) for the painted of cycle and the part of fading.In specific embodiments, the part of fading of a circulation needs the more time than the coloured part of same circulation.Controller can be designed or configure to apply the driving voltage that meets these needs as described in this article.

This vibration Control of Voltage that applies allows device to operate with one or more intermediatenesses, and does not need any modification to equipment stacking or switching time.It needs controller to be configured or to design to provide to have the suitable curve line vibration driving voltage of (comprising frequency, amplitude, working cycle, average voltage etc.) simply.Should also be understood that this level of control allowance produces any intermediateness in the complete optical states scope between two terminal states.Continuous transmissivity (%Tvis) scope of any value be tunable between terminal state for example, will be provided through the controller of suitably configuration.

The large form building that is manufactured with in this respect electrochromic device on it of the present invention or residential window especially useful while together using (at the sheet resistance of device electrode, being especially approximately when 1 ohm-sq or larger (or about 3 ohm-sq or larger, or approximately 10 ohm-sq or larger)).Expection, the device that has benefited from this control program will have between the about sheet resistance between 1 ohm-sq and 20 ohm-sq.Certainly, critical size (distance between end) also will affect consumingly to the vibration alive needs of executing.Have at least about the device of the critical size of 50 centimeters and will usually benefit from described control algolithm.

For using the vibration driving voltage that device is urged to intermediate colored states (as described above), controller can apply suitable medium voltage simply.Yet, find, by doing like this, reach time of intermediate colored states can be quite slow (at least than reaching the needed time of ultimate colored state).Be owing to can applying high voltage to reach terminal state on this part but do not apply high voltage to reach the fact of intermediateness.

A kind of technology that reaches the speed of intermediateness for increasing device is the voltage (just describing) that at first applies the high voltage pulse that is suitable for fully painted (in terminal state) and then be retracted into the vibration intermediateness.In other words, can adopt value and the initial low frequency rate individual pulse of duration (being low than the frequency in order to maintain intermediateness) selected for given end-state to make to change acceleration.After this inceptive impulse, can adopt the upper frequency voltage oscillation so that intermediateness continues the desired time.

Fig. 4 D illustrates the example of the voltage curve that applies 421 for being converted to rapidly intermediateness.As shown, at first apply and the potential pulse that is applied in the to reach terminal state initial voltage pulse 423 of equally large value basically.After this, make the level 425 of described applied voltage drop to the level corresponding to wanted intermediateness.In specific embodiments, send the described voltage that applied in this level with mode of oscillation, as described above.Although the oscillating voltage of center on level 425 from figure D can not distinguish, it can exist.In various embodiments, the comparable inceptive impulse frequency of oscillation frequency is much lower, for example, between 1 switching/minute with 1 switching/hour between, this depends on size and the terminal state of wanting.As mentioned, described vibration can be asymmetric.

In some cases, in order to use this control sequence to reach the total duration of initial high voltage pulse of intermediateness usually between approximately between 1 minute and 30 minutes, or more particularly between approximately between 3 minutes and 15 minutes, or even more particularly between approximately between 8 minutes and 11 minutes.Certainly, the duration will be depended on wanted terminal state (the painted level of intermediateness), plant bulk, leakage current etc.In addition, in some cases, the value of this inceptive impulse is (on average) approximately 1 volt to 7 volts, and is more particularly approximately 1 volt to 4 volts.Certainly, painted threshold value, sheet resistance, painted speed and leak current characteristic will be different between system, so these values are not intended to be limited with other characteristic.

Observe, than the control sequence that adopts this pulse, the painted time of intermediateness can be about 4x for the control sequence that does not adopt the initial high voltage pulse.

It should be noted that edge to the central optical relatively uniformly between control algolithm (such as, the control algolithm presented in Fig. 4 D) allowance state changes.High voltage produces faster switching, but also enlarges the unevenness between centerand edge.On the other hand, low voltage produces switching more slowly, but changes more equably.By selecting modestly the value of the initial potential pulse that applies, the possible optical transitions in electrochromic device is reached the balance between homogeneity and speed.

In some applications, initial voltage pulse may not allow in order to reach the enough control of wanted intermediateness in the short time framework.As above discussed, when applied voltage is higher, device will be reached higher painted and switching time faster, and, when applied voltage is low, device will be reached more less colored (close to wanted intermediateness), but spend much longer switching time.Edge of the frequency ratio device that this optical density (OD) for the center that comprises wherein device changes fast, with it, equate or than it all types electrochromic device of slow device the way it goes.Yet, the frequency that the optical density (OD) of the Local Property by understanding device and the position of the highest optical density (OD) and minimum optical density (OD) changes, can determine will allow whole electrochromic device compare by apply fixed voltage by possible speed faster reach oscillating voltage amplitude and the frequency of intermediateness.

Controller for electrochromic device

As indicated, changeable optical devices will have the controller of being associated, and for example, depend on input and the microprocessor of control and management device.It is designed or configures the control algolithm that (for example, programming) implements type as described above.In various embodiments, the levels of current in described controller pick-up unit and suitably apply voltage.Described controller also can detect voltage levvl and stay in safe voltage level to guarantee optical devices.In addition, described controller can have various additional features, for example, such as timer, electric charge detector (, coulomb counter), oscillator etc.

In certain embodiments, described controller is positioned at the device outside and communicates by letter with device via network.Described communication can be direct or indirect (for example,, via the intermediate node between master controller and device).Can carry out described communication via wired or wireless connection.The various configurations of peripheral control unit are presented in and specify Brown etc. is " Multipurpose Controller for Multistate Windows " and the Application No. 13/049 of filing an application on March 16th, 2011 for inventor, title, in 756, described case integral body by reference is incorporated to this paper.

In a certain embodiment, described controller and optical devices or shell integrate.In the seal of the insulating glass unit (IGU) that in specific embodiments, described controller is integrated in shell or contains changeable optical devices.The various configurations of integrated form controller are presented in the Application No. 13/049 that on March 16th, 2011 files an application and title is " Onboard Controller for Multistate Windows ", in 750, described case integral body by reference is incorporated to this paper.

In one embodiment, described controller contains just like the various parts that illustrate in Fig. 5.As shown,controller 501 comprises and is configured to the electric power converter to the electric power needs of the EC device of the EC pane of IGU by a low voltage transition.This electric power is fed to described EC device via driving circuit (power driver) usually.In one embodiment,controller 501 has the redundant power driver, so that under the out of order situation of one, has standby user and does not need to change or repair described controller.

Controller 501 also comprises for from remote controllers (illustrating as " master controller " at Fig. 5), receiving order and the telecommunication circuit that order is sent to remote controllers (being labeled as " communication " among Fig. 5).Described telecommunication circuit is also in order to receive input and input is sent to microcontroller from microcontroller.In one embodiment, also with line of electric force, come (for example) via the communication of agreement (such as Ethernet) sending and receiving.Described microcontroller comprises the logic of controlling at least one EC pane for the input based on receiving from one or more sensors at least in part.In this example,sensor 1 to 3 (for example), incontroller 501 outsides, for example, is arranged in window frame or approaches window frame.In one embodiment, described controller has at least one or a plurality of internal sensor.For example,controller 501 also can have or alternatively have " on plate " sensor 4 and 5.In one embodiment, described controller (for example) is by using from sending current-voltage (I/V) data that one or more electric pulses obtain via the EC device and analyzing feedback and use changeable optical devices as sensor.

In one embodiment, described controller comprises chip, card or plate, and it comprises for carrying out the logic of one or more control functions.The electric power ofcontroller 501 and communication function are capable of being combined in one single chip, for example, and programmable logic device (PLD) chip, field programmable gate array (FPGA) etc.These integrated form circuit can be combined in logic, control and electric power function in single programmable chip.Electrochromic (or IGU) has in an embodiment of two electrochromism panes therein, and logic is configured to control independently each in described two electrochromism panes.In one embodiment, to work in coordination with the reinforcement mode, control each the function in described two electrochromism panes, that is, so that each device is controlled so that supplementary other device.For example, control the level of wanting of light transmission, heat insulation effect and/or other character via each the combination of state in individual device.For example, an electrochromic device can be placed in to colored state, and another one (for example) heats for resistive via the transparency electrode of installing.In another example, the optical states of described two electrochromic devices is controlled to make through the combination transmissivity by being wanted result.

Controller 501 also can have wireless capability, such as controlling and function of supplying power.For example, can instruction be sent to microcontroller and for microcontroller, data for example be sent out, to () other window controller and/or building management system (BMS) by controlled in wireless such as Rf and/or IR and radio communications such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, EnOcean.Radio communication can be in the window controller at least one of the following: programming and/or operation electrochromic, from sensor, collect from the data of electrochromic and use electrochromic as the relay point for radio communication.The data of collecting from electrochromic also can comprise enumeration data, such as the number of times that starts (circulation) electrochromic device, the efficiency etc. of electrochromic device in time.

In addition,controller 501 can have the wireless power ability.That is,controller 501 can have one or more wireless power receivers, and it receives transmission from one or more wireless power transmission devices, and thereforecontroller 501 can be powered to electrochromic via wireless power transmission.Wireless power transmission comprise (such as but not limited to) inductance, resonance inductor, radio frequency power transmit, microwave electric power transmits and laser power transmits.In one embodiment, electric power is via radio frequency transmission to receiver, and described receiver utilizes polarized wave (for example, circularly polarized wave, elliptically polarized wave and/or dual-polarization ripple) and/or various frequency and vector to convert described electric power to electric current.In another embodiment, electric power transmits with wireless mode via the inductive couplings in magnetic field.The example wireless electric power functional description of electrochromic in filing an application on Dec 17th, 2010, title is for " Wireless Powered Electrochromic Windows " and specify the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/971 that Robert Rozbicki is the inventor, in 576, described case integral body by reference is incorporated to this paper.

Controller 501 also can comprise RFID label and/or storer, for example, such as the solid-state serial storage (, I2C or SPI) that is optionally programmable storage.Radio-frequency (RF) identification (RFID) relates to interrogator (or reader) and label (or mark).The RFID label is used via electromagnetic communication and is carried out swap data between terminating machine and the object purpose of the identification to described object and tracking (for example, for).Can read some RFID label from several meters of sight lines leaving reader and the sight line part that exceeds reader.

The RFID label can contain at least two parts.A part is used for the integrated circuit of storage and process information, modulation and demodulation radio frequency (Rf) signal and other dedicated functions.Another part is for receiving and transmit the antenna of described signal.

There is the RFID label of three types: passive type RFID label, it does not have power supply and needs external electromagnetic field to carry out the start signal transmission; The active rfid label, once but its contain battery and successfully identify reader signal transmission; With auxiliary passive (BAP) RFID label of battery, it needs external source to wake up, but the significantly higher forward link ability provided in a big way is provided.RFID has many application, and for example, it is the efficiency with improvement stock follow-up and management for the enterprise supply chain management.

In one embodiment, RFID label or other storer are with at least one programming in following data: warranty information, mount message, manufacturer's information, batch/inventory information, EC device/IGU characteristic, EC device cyclical information and Customer Information.The example of EC device and IGU characteristic comprises (for example) window-voltage (V_w), window current (I_w), EC coating temperature (T_ec), the visual transmission (%T of glass_vis), % toning order (from the external analog input of BMS), digital input state and controller state.The upstream information that each expression in these can provide from controller.Can provide to the example of the downstream data of controller comprise window drive arrangements parameter, district's subordinate relation (part that for example, which district this controller is), % toning value, digital output state and digital control (toning (tint), fade, automatically, restart etc.).The example of window drive arrangements parameter comprise fade to color change ramp rate, fade to color shift voltage, initial painted ramp rate, initial painted voltage, initial painted current limit, painted maintenance voltage, painted maintenance current limit, color to fading, change ramp rate, color to the shift voltage that fades, initially fade ramp rate, initially fade voltage, initially fade current limit, fade keep voltage, the maintenance current limit fades.

In one embodiment, use programmable storage in described controller in this article.The alternative RFID technology of this programmable storage or in conjunction with the RFID utilization.Programmable storage has advantages of the dirigibility of the increase of the data that storage is relevant to the IGU of controller and its coupling.

Electrochromic device

For context, the example of electrochromic device design will be described now.Fig. 6 A schematically illustrateselectrochromic device 500 in the cross sectionmode.Electrochromic device 500 comprisessubstrate 502, the first conductive layer (CL) 504, electrochromic layer (EC) 506, ion conductive layer (IC) 508, to electrode layer (CE) 510 and the second conductive layer (CL) 514.Layer 504,506,508,510 and 514 general designation are done electrochromism stacking 520.Can operate to cross overvoltage source 516 that electrochromism stacking 520 applies current potential and realize for example, from () bleached state to the colored state transformation of (illustrate) of electrochromic device.The order of layer can reverse with respect to substrate.

The electrochromic device that has as described dissimilar layer can be made as solid-state and/or complete inorganic device fully by Low Defectivity.These devices and its method for making are described in greater detail in title for " Fabrication of Low-Defectivity Electrochromic Devices ", Dec in 2009, Mark Kozlowski that file an application and specify on the 22nd etc. were inventor's U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/645, 111 and title be " Electrochromic Devices ", Dec in 2009, Zhongchun Wang that file an application and specify on the 22nd etc. were inventor's U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/645, in 159, described two applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.However, it should be understood that the organic material that any one or many persons in described layer in stacking can be contained a certain amount.The liquid that can be present on a small quantity in one or more layers can be like this equally.Should also be understood that can be by adopting liquid component program (such as, adopt some program or the chemical vapor deposition of sol-gel) deposition or otherwise form solid-state material.

In addition, it should be understood that the reference to the transformation between bleached state and colored state is nonrestrictive and only shows the example that enforceable among others electrochromism changes.Unless specify in addition (comprising aforementioned discussion) herein, otherwise, whenever with reference to fade-coloured transformation the time, corresponding intrument or process contained other optical state transition, such as non-reflective-reflection, transparent-opaque etc.In addition, term " fades " and refers to the optics neutral state, for example, non-coloured, transparent or semitransparent.Again in addition, unless specify in addition herein, " color " that electrochromism changes is not limited to any specific wavelength or wavelength coverage.As the those skilled in the art understands, to suitable electrochromism with to the selection of electrode material, arrange the related optical transformation.

In described embodiment, electrochromic device is reversibly circulation between bleached state and colored state in this article.In some cases, when device in bleached state the time, current potential is applied to electrochromism stacking 520, so that the available ion in stacking mainly resides in electrode 510.Current potential on electrochromism is stacking is when reversion, and ion is crossed over ionconductive layer 508 and is delivered toelectrochromic material 506 and causes that described material transition is to colored state.

Refer again to Fig. 6 A,voltage source 516 can be configured in conjunction with radiation and the operation of other environmental sensor.As described in this article,voltage source 516 docks with Setup Controller (this is not shown).In addition,voltage source 516 can dock with energy management system, and described energy management system is controlled electrochromic device according to various criterions such as the time in the middle of time, one day such as in the middle of 1 year and measured environmental baselines.This energy management system for example, can significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings in conjunction with large tracts of land electrochromic device (, electrochromic).

Any material with suitable optical property, electrical property, thermal property and engineering properties can be used as substrate 502.These substrates comprise (for example) glass, plastics and reflecting mirror material.Suitable glass comprises transparent or coloured soda-lime glass, comprises sodium calcium float glass.Described glass can be tempered or not tempered.

In many situations, described substrate is with the glass pane for the house glass applications through sizing.The size of this glass pane can be depending on the specific needs of house and changes widely.In other situation, described substrate is building glass.Building glass is generally used in commercial establishment, but also can be used in residential building, and (but non-certain) separates indoor environment with outdoor environment usually.In certain embodiments, building glass is at least 20 inches * 20 inches, and can be much bigger, and for example, approximately 80 inches * 120 inches large.Building glass is normally thick at least about 2mm.Certainly, electrochromic device can be according to the substrate convergent-divergent that is less than or greater than building glass.In addition, can on the catoptron of any size and dimension, provide electrochromic device.

Conductive layer 504 is at the top of substrate 502.In certain embodiments, the one or both inconductive layer 504 and 514 is inorganic and/or solid.Conductive layer 504 and 514 can be made by several different materials, comprises conductive oxide, thin metallic coating, conductive metal nitride and composite conductor.Usually,conductive layer 504 and 514 at least therein electrochromic layer to represent in the wavelength coverage of electrochromism be transparent.Transparent conductive oxide comprises metal oxide and doped with the metal oxide of one or more metals.These metal oxides and through the example of blended metal oxide comprise indium oxide, tin indium oxide, through doped indium oxide, tin oxide, through doped stannum oxide, zinc paste, aluminum zinc oxide, through doping zinc-oxide, ruthenium-oxide, through the doping ruthenium-oxide etc.Because oxide is generally used for these layers, so it is called " transparent conductive oxide " (TCO) layer sometimes.Also can use the thin metallic coating of substantial transparent.

The function of conductive layer is, with relatively few ohm potential drop, the current potential provided byvoltage source 516 of the surface of electrochromism stacking 520 is extended to stacking inner area.Via the electrical connection to conductive layer, current potential is sent to conductive layer.In certain embodiments, bus-bar (contact withconductive layer 504 and contact with conductive layer 514) provides being electrically connected betweenvoltage source 516 andconductive layer 504 and 514.Conductive layer 504 and 514 also can be connected tovoltage source 516 by other conventional member.

Platingconductive coating 504 be electrochromic layer 506.In certain embodiments,electrochromic layer 506 is inorganic and/or solid.Electrochromic layer can contain any or multiple in several different electrochromic material (comprising metal oxide).These metal oxides comprise tungsten oxide (WO₃), molybdena (MoO₃), niobium oxide (Nb₂o₅), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), cupric oxide (CuO), yttrium oxide (Ir₂o₃), chromium oxide (Cr₂o₃), manganese oxide (Mn₂o₃), vanadium oxide (V₂o₅), nickel oxide (Ni₂o₃), cobalt oxide (Co₂o₃) etc.During operation,electrochromic layer 506 is sent to ion toelectrode layer 510 with fromelectrode layer 510 is received to ion to cause possible optical transitions.

Usually, painted (or the change of any optical property-for example, absorptivity, reflectivity and transmissivity) of electrochromic material is that the correspondence injection of by the reversible ionic to material, inserting (for example, adding) and charge balance electronics causes.Usually, a certain part ion of responsible possible optical transitions reversibly is bound by electrochromic material.Some or all ions reversibly fettered are in order to " blind electric charge (blind charge) " in compensative material.In most electrochromic materials, suitable ion comprises lithium ion (Li⁺) and hydrogen ion (H⁺) (that is, proton).Yet in some cases, other ion will be for suitable.In various embodiments, lithium ion is in order to produce the electrochromism phenomenon.Lithium ion is to the interpolation (WO in tungsten oxide_3-y(0<y ≤～0.3)) cause that tungsten oxide changes to blueness (colored state) from transparent (bleached state).

Refer again to Fig. 6 A, in electrochromism stacking 520, ionconductive layer 508 is sandwiched inelectrochromic layer 506 and between electrode layer 510.In certain embodiments, toelectrode layer 510, be inorganic and/or solid.To electrode layer, can comprise when electrochromic device is in bleached state as one or more in the several different materials of ion reservoir.Between for example, by applying of () suitable potential initial electrochromism tour, some that electrode layer is kept it or all ions are sent to electrochromic layer, thereby electrochromic layer is changed to colored state.Simultaneously, in the situation of NiWO, painted because of the loss of ion to electrode layer.

In certain embodiments, supplement WO₃the suitable material for to electrode comprise nickel oxide (NiO), nickel oxide tungsten (NiWO), nickel oxide vanadium, oxidation nickel chromium triangle, nickel oxide aluminium, nickel manganese oxide, nickel oxide magnesium, chromium oxide (Cr₂o₃), manganese oxide (MnO₂), Prussian blue.

When from by nickel oxide tungsten, madeelectrode 510 is removed to electric charge (that is, by ion fromelectrode 510 is delivered to electrochromic layer 506) time, will be converted to colored state from pellucidity to electrode layer.

In illustrated electrochromic device, atelectrochromic layer 506 and between toelectrode layer 510, there is ion conductive layer 508.Ionconductive layer 508 is as when electrochromic device changes between bleached state and colored state, via it, carrying the medium of ion (in electrolytical mode).Preferably, ionconductive layer 508 is highly conduction for electrochromic layer with to the relevant ions of electrode layer, but has fully low electron conduction, makes the electronics occurred in the normal operation period transmit and can ignore.Thin ion conductive layer with macroion electric conductivity is permitted quick ionic conduction and is therefore permitted the quick switching of high-performance electrochromic device.In certain embodiments, ionconductive layer 508 is inorganic and/or solid.

The example of suitable ion conductive layer (for having the electrochromic device of different IC layer) comprises silicate, monox, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide and borate.Monox comprises the oxidation sial.These materials can, doped with different dopant, comprise lithium.Monox doped with lithium comprises lithia SiClx aluminium.In certain embodiments, ion conductive layer comprises the structure based on silicate.In certain embodiments, oxidation sial (SiAlO) is for ionconductive layer 508.

Electrochromic device 500 can comprise one or more additional layer (not shown), such as one or more passivation layers.In order to the passivation layer of improveing some optical property, can be included in electrochromic device 500.Also can be included inelectrochromic device 500 for moisture being provided or supporting the passivation layer of swiping.For example, can antireflection or protective oxide or nitride layer processing conductive layer.Other passivation layer can be in order to isolated theelectrochromic device 500 that seals.

Fig. 6 B is the schematic sectional view of the electrochromic device of (or being converted to bleached state) in bleached state.According to particular,electrochromic device 600 comprises that 606 and nickel oxide tungsten of a tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC) are to electrode layer (CE) 610.Electrochromic device 600 also comprisessubstrate 602, conductive layer (CL) 604, ion conductive layer (IC) 608 and conductive layer (CL) 614.

Power supply 616 is configured to for example, via the suitable connection toconductive layer 604 and 614 (, bus-bar) current potential and/or electric current are applied to electrochromism stacking 620.In certain embodiments, described power supply is configured to apply approximately the current potential of 2 volts so that the transformation of drive unit from an optical states to another optical states.The polarity of the current potential shown in Fig. 6 A be make ion (in this example for lithium ion) mainly resident (as indicated as dotted arrow) in nickel oxide tungsten toelectrode layer 610 in.

Fig. 6 C is the schematic sectional view of theelectrochromic device 600 of (or being converted to colored state) shown in Fig. 6 B but in colored state.In Fig. 6 C, the polarity inreversal voltage source 616, in order to make electrochromic layer more negative to accept extra lithium ion, thereby and be converted to colored state.As indicated as dotted arrow, lithium ion is crossed over ionconductive layer 608 and is delivered to tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 606.Tungstenoxide electrochromic layer 606 is illustrated in colored state.Nickel oxide tungsten also illustrates in colored state electrode 610.As explained, nickel oxide tungsten is abandoned (going to add) lithium ion and is become more and more opaquer along with it.In this example, exist itsmiddle level 606 and 610 both promote to reduce the collaborative reinfocing effect of transmission through the light quantity of stacking and substrate to the transformation of colored state.

As described above, electrochromic device can comprise electrochromism (EC) electrode layer and to electrode (CE) layer, and it is by for ion being highly conduction and ionic conduction (IC) layer separation that be highly opposing for electronics.As understood traditionally, therefore described ion conductive layer prevents electrochromic layer and to the short circuit between electrode layer.Described ion conductive layer allows electrochromism and thereby electrode is kept electric charge and maintain it fading or colored state.In having the electrochromic device of dissimilar layer, described parts form stacking, and be sandwiched in the electrochromism electrode layer and to the ion conductive layer between electrode layer described stacking comprising.Boundary between these three stacked components is by forming and/or the sudden change of microstructure is defined.Therefore, described device has three dissimilar layer with two sudden change interfaces.

According to some embodiment, described is closely to form each other to electrode and electrochromism electrode with adjoining, directly contact sometimes, and do not deposit separately ion conductive layer.In certain embodiments, there is boundary zone but not the electrochromic device of different IC layer and controller described herein together adopt.These devices and its method for making are described in the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/772 of filing an application each comfortable on April 30th, 2010,055 and 12/772,075 and the U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 12/814 of filing an application each comfortable on June 11st, 2010,277 and 12/814, each title in 279 in one or four applications is " Electrochromic Devices ", each specifies Zhongchun Wang etc. is the inventor, and each by reference integral body be incorporated to this paper.

Fig. 7 is the schematic sectional view of theelectrochromic device 700 in colored state, and wherein said device hasboundary zone 708, and different IC layer is not contained in described boundary zone 708.Voltage source 616,conductive layer 614 and 604 andsubstrate 602 with described substantially the same about Fig. 6 A and6B.District 710 is betweenconductive layer 614 and 604, and describeddistrict 710 compriseselectrode layer 610,electrochromic layer 606 and the boundary zone between it 708 but not different IC floor.In this example, betweenelectrode layer 610 andboundary zone 708, not having obvious boundary, there is not obvious boundary inelectrochromic layer 606 withboundary zone 708 yet.But, there is diffusion transformation betweenCE layer 610 andboundary zone 708 and betweenboundary zone 708 andEC layer 606.

Although with certain the level of detail, described aforementioned invention promote to understand, described embodiment should be considered as to illustrative and non-limiting.The those skilled in the art puts into practice Yi Zhike some change and modification in the scope of claims of enclosing.

Claims (41)

1. one kind causes that the changeable optical devices on window are converted to the method for intermediate optical state, and described intermediate optical state is between two terminal states of described changeable optical devices, and described method comprises:

Oscillating voltage is applied to described changeable optical devices, and wherein said oscillating voltage has the average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and wherein basically experiences equably described average voltage on the surface of described changeable optical devices.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein said changeable optical devices are electrochromic devices.

3. the method for claim 1, wherein said changeable optical devices comprise for voltage delivery being delivered to one or more bus-bars of described device, and wherein said bus-bar is arranged in one or more edges of described device and is not positioned at the center of described device.

4. method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said changeable optical devices comprise the one or more transparency electrodes that have at least about the sheet resistance of 5 ohm every square.

5. the method for claim 1, wherein said oscillating voltage has the frequency of about 1E3Hz and 1E-5Hz.

6. the method for claim 1, wherein said oscillating voltage has the approximately amplitude of 0.01 volt to 1 volt.

7. the method for claim 1, it is applied to described changeable optical devices by potential pulse before further being included in and applying described oscillating voltage, wherein said potential pulse has the value that is greater than in fact the described average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and applying of wherein said potential pulse increases in fact the speed that described changeable optical devices are converted to described intermediate optical state.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said potential pulse had between about duration between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.

9. method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said potential pulse has between the about value between 1 volt and 7 volts.

10. the method for claim 1, it further comprises the second oscillating voltage is applied to described changeable optical devices, wherein said the second oscillating voltage has the second average voltage be associated with the second intermediate optical state, and wherein applies described the second oscillating voltage and cause that described device is converted to described the second intermediate optical state.

11. one kind for controlling changeable optical devices on the window controller to the change of intermediate optical state, described controller comprises:

(a) one or more interfaces, it provides steering order, driving voltage and/or drive current to described changeable optical devices; With

(b) instruction, it is for controlling the described change of optical states, and wherein said instruction comprises:

Oscillating voltage is applied to described changeable optical devices, and wherein said oscillating voltage has the average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and wherein basically experiences equably described average voltage on the surface of described changeable optical devices.

12. controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein in described instruction, the described oscillating voltage of appointment is to define for electrochromic device.

13. controller as claimed in claim 11, the described changeable optical devices of wherein being controlled by described controller comprise for voltage delivery being delivered to one or more bus-bars of described device, and wherein said bus-bar is arranged in one or more edges of described device and is not positioned at the center of described device.

14. controller as claimed in claim 13, wherein said changeable optical devices comprise the one or more transparency electrodes that have at least about the sheet resistance of 5 ohm every square.

15. controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein said instruction specifies described oscillating voltage to have the frequency of about 1E3Hz and 1E-5Hz.

16. controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein said instruction specifies described oscillating voltage to have the approximately amplitude of 0.01 volt to 1 volt.

17. controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein said instruction further comprises for potential pulse being applied to the instruction of described changeable optical devices before applying described oscillating voltage, wherein said potential pulse has the value that is greater than in fact the described average voltage be associated with described intermediate optical state, and applying of wherein said potential pulse increases in fact the speed that described changeable optical devices are converted to described intermediate optical state.

18. controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein said potential pulse had between about duration between 5 minutes and 15 minutes.

19. controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein said potential pulse has between the about value between 1 volt and 7 volts.

20. controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein said instruction further comprises for the second oscillating voltage being applied to the instruction of described changeable optical devices, wherein said the second oscillating voltage has the second average voltage be associated with the second intermediate optical state, and wherein applies described the second oscillating voltage and cause that described device is converted to described the second intermediate optical state.

21. a method that causes the change of the optical states in the changeable optical devices on window, described method comprises:

(a) control the electric current to described changeable optical devices during the initial part of the transformation from the first optical states to the second optical states, wherein control described electric current by the value when described electric current surpass the upper limit define the safety current level or fail to meet lower limit while defining quick switch current level correction extremely the described electric current of described changeable optical devices realize; With

(b) control and be applied to the voltage of described changeable optical devices during the part after a while of the described transformation from described the first optical states to described the second optical states, in order to the value of described voltage is kept basically in preset level.

22. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said changeable optical devices are electrochromic devices.

23. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the described electric current of control in (a) comprises: voltage ramp is applied to described changeable optical devices and adjusts where necessary described voltage ramp that the described upper limit is defined the safety current level and described lower limit is defined between quick switch current level so that described electric current is maintained at.

24. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the described electric current of control in (a) comprises and initial current is applied to described changeable optical devices and adjusts where necessary described initial current that the described upper limit is defined the safety current level and described lower limit is defined between quick switch current level so that described electric current is maintained at.

25. method as claimed in claim 21 does not wherein detect the temperature of described changeable optical devices during at least described initial part of described transformation.

26. method as claimed in claim 21, the described change of wherein said optical states is to the intermediate optical state between two ultimate optical states of described changeable optical devices.

27. method as claimed in claim 21, it further comprises:

(c) the described value that will be applied to afterwards the described voltage of described changeable optical devices at (b) is decreased to the level of the leakage current in reducing described changeable optical devices.

28. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein carry out the described electric current of control in (a) and reach between about cycle between 2 minutes to 30 minutes.

29. method as claimed in claim 21, the wherein said upper limit defines the safety current level between about 70 μ A/cm²with 250 μ A/cm²between.

30. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein said lower limit defines quick switch current level between about 30 μ A/cm²with 70 μ A/cm²between.

31. method as claimed in claim 21, wherein carry out the described voltage of control in (b) and reach between about cycle between 2 minutes and 30 minutes.

32. the controller for the change of the optical states of controlling the changeable optical devices on window, described controller comprises:

(a) one or more interfaces, it is for providing steering order, driving voltage and/or drive current to described changeable optical devices; With

(b) instruction, it is for controlling the described change of optical states, and wherein said instruction comprises:

(i) control the electric current to described changeable optical devices during the initial part of the transformation from the first optical states to the second optical states, wherein control described electric current by the value when described electric current surpass the upper limit define the safety current level or fail to meet lower limit while defining quick switch current level correction extremely the described electric current of described changeable optical devices realize; With

(ii) control and be applied to the voltage of described changeable optical devices during the part after a while of the described transformation from described the first optical states to described the second optical states, in order to the value of described voltage is kept basically in preset level.

33. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein in described instruction, the electric current of appointment and voltage levvl are to define for electrochromic device.

34. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein the described instruction for the described electric current of control of (i) comprises that the described upper limit is defined the safety current level and described lower limit is defined the instruction between quick switch current level so that described electric current is maintained at for voltage ramp being applied to described changeable optical devices and adjusting where necessary described voltage ramp.

35. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein in described instruction, the electric current of appointment and/or voltage levvl are set and do not consider during at least described initial part of described transformation the temperature of described changeable optical devices.

36. controller as claimed in claim 32, the change of described optical states to the intermediate optical state between two ultimate optical states of described changeable optical devices specified in wherein said instruction.

37. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein said instruction further comprises:

(iii) the described value that will be applied to afterwards the described voltage of described changeable optical devices at (ii) is decreased to the level of the leakage current in reducing described changeable optical devices.

38. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein reach between about cycle between 2 minutes to 5 minutes for the described electric current of described instruction specified control of the described electric current of control of (i).

39. controller as claimed in claim 32, the wherein said upper limit defines the safety current level between about 70 μ A/cm²with 250 μ A/cm²between.

40. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein said lower limit defines quick switch current level between about 30 μ A/cm²with 70 μ A/cm²between.

41. controller as claimed in claim 32, wherein reach between about cycle between 2 minutes and 30 minutes for the described electric current of described instruction specified control of the described voltage of control of (ii).

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